Device for cleaning windows



May 17, 1960 H. A. EKLIND DEVICE FOR cLEANxNG wINDows Filed July 2, 1956IN1/wrox:- HOWARD A. EKLIND ATTORNEYS DEVICE FOR CLEANING WINDOWS HowardA. Eklind, Chicago, Ill.

Application July 2, 1956, Serial No. 595,263

Claims. (Cl. 15-121) Phe present invention relates in general tocleaning devices, and has more particular reference to a `window washinginstrument of a sort especially well adapted for washing and drying theouter surfaces of double-hung sash windows from the interior of thestructure containing the same.

In cleaning double-hung sash windows, it is extremely di'icult, if notimpossible, by conventional procedures, to washthe outer surfaces of thewindows except by starting or sitting on the window sill outwardly ofthe Window. Heretofore, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. LettersPatents Nos. 2,537,482, 2,572,112 and 2,649,600, which issuedrespectively to Charles Reilly, on January 9, `1951; to Jerome T. Coppe,on October 23, 1951, and to Pratt R. Loveland, on August 25, 1953,devices have been proposed for aiding in the cleaning of double-hungsash windows, but such devices have been cumbersome and relatively hardto manipulate.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a simple,handy device for cleaning all window surfaces While standing, 4orotherwise disposed, at the inner side of the window structure; a furtherobject being to provide a device of the character mentioned adapted formanipulation entirely from the inner side of the window structure beingcleaned, to wash and dry all of the window surfaces of the structure.

Another important object is to provide an instrument formed with awashing sponge at one end and a wiping squeegee device at the other;said instrument being of ,exceedingly thin configuration, whereby thesponge and squeegee may alternately be inserted between double- ;hungwindow sashes to permit `application thereof to .sash window surfacesfor the Washing and drying of `the same; a further object -being tomount the `sponge andsqueegee components at the opposite ends ofa sup--p ort frame, comprising resilient metal wires, so that the frame may bereadily applied and manipulated `between the components of a`double-ring sash window structure.

Another important object is to provide a relatively thin frame structurecarrying `a flat window washing `sponge component `at one .end and a`window drying `squeegee component at the other, wherein the frame isseparable medially `of said i sponge `and squeegee components to proyide,a squeegee `carrying frame portion and a -sponge .Carrying frameportion, said portions being provided with cooperating latch means tohold the same firmly, yet detachably in fend to ,end `abuttingrelationship; a `further ,object `being 4to provide an improved `latchstructure lying entirely within the confines of the thin framestructure, whereby ,the latch means may slide freely -between the sashcomponents of a `doubledhung window structure.

,Briefly stated, vthe invention, ,in accordance with a preferred aspect,contemplates .the provision of a .win- ,dow `eleaning implementcomprising separable :frame .portonsadapted to `be detachably latchedfinend -to end abutting -relationship to form a relatively thin, elongatedframe structure embodying spaced apart wire-like rods of rel- UniteStates Patent v ice atively stil, springy material, the frame, includingthe means for latching the portions thereof together, being sized forfacile insertion between the sash of a doublehung window structure, andhaving a preferably rectangular window washing sponge mounted at one endof said frame, the frame, at its sponge remote end, carrying a windowwiping squeegee, said sponge and squeegee being secured upon preferablymetal mounting plates integrally united and secured, as by welding, tothe frame forming rods, at the opposite ends yof the frame, to therebysecure said rods in spaced apart frame forming position.

The `foregoing and numerous other important objects, and advantages andinherent functions of the invention will become apparent as the same ismore fully understood from the following description, which, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferredembodiment of the invention.

Referring to lthe drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a Window washing device embodying thepresent invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing, in perspective, the components of aportion of the window washing device;

Figs. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines3-3 and 4--4 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a plane view showing a modified construction of a portion ofthe device shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 6 and 7 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines6-6 and 7--7 in Fig. 5; and

Fig 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the device.

To illustrative the invention, the drawings show a Window cleaninginstrument 11 comprising an elongated frame 12 carrying a sponge 13 anda window drying squeege 14 4at opposite ends of the frame.

The frame 12 is of unusually thin character, and hence adapted forinsertion between the relatively slidable sashes of a double-hung windowstructure, when the sashes are in relatively overlapping position, aswhen one or both are in partly or fully open position. To this end, theframe 12 preferably comprises metal rods or bars 15 disposed in spacedapart, preferably parallel relationship. The -rods or bars 15 mayconveniently comprise resilient steel wire stock having diameter oftheorder of three-sxteenths of an inch. The frame 12 also may comprise aplurality of separable sections detachably secured together in end toend relationship, the device shown embodying a pair of separable framesections 16 and 1 6 `formed with readily operable latch means 17 V,fordetachably securing the sections 16 and 16 in abutting end to endrelationship, to thereby suppoitthe sponge 13 and squeegee 14 at theopposite ends of the ,frame- The sponge and squeegee are also ofrelatively thin coniiguration, adapted for insertion between the sashesof va `double-hung window structure when in partially overlappedrelationship, whereby the sponge and the squeegee `may be successivelyapplied between overlapped sashes for the purpose of washing and dryingthe outwardly facing window surfaces of the inner sash. By providingA aseparable frame 12, the sponge and squeegee may be manipulated andemployed as separate elements, if desired.

Where relatively small windows are to be Washed, the sponge carryingframe portion may rst be inserted between the sashes, after which thesqueegee carrying frame porti-on may be attached to the sponge remoteend of the sponge carrying frame portion, in order to provide anextended ,handle `for manipulating the sponge in position between theoverlapped sashes. Conversely, the squeegee carrying` frame .portion maybe applied between a pair of sash window components, after which thesponge carrying frame component may be attached to the squeegee remoteend of the squeegee carrying frame component, in order to serve as amanipulating handle therefor. n As shown, both the sponge and squeegeecarrying frame components orsections 16 andr16 may comprise a length fOfwire stock bent medially, as at 1S, to form the parallel, vspaced apartrod portions 15. The sponge 13 and squeegee 14 may be supported uponpreferably metal mounting plates 19 and 19 respectively welded orotherwise lirmly secured to the frame sections 16 and 16 at the medialbent portions 18 thereof. It will be obvious, of course, that the framesections 16 and 16' may each com prise a pair of separate rod elementssecured in parallel spaced relation upon the mounting plates 19 and 19',although, as a manufacturing convenience, it is ,expedient to mediallybend a single piece of wire, as at 18, to form the parallel frameportions 15 and to weld the frame component, with its associatedmounting plate 19 or 19', at and adjacent its medial bent portion 18. lThe washing component 13 preferably comprises a pad of sponge rubber orthe like, having rectangular configuration, whereby the corners of thepad may extend in corresponding corners of a window to be washed. Thesponge may be cemented or otherwise securely fastened upon the mountingplate 19, which has a generally rectangular mounting portion 2@ whichpreferably is of somewhat smaller area than the sponge 13. The marginaledges of the sponge, as a consequence, may extendv beyond the lmarginaledges of the plate portion 20. The sponge mounting plate 19 may alsoinclude a frame engaging extension 21 projecting laterally of the spongemounting portion 20, the frame section 16 being weldingly secured to theplate portion 21.

The window wiping member 14 preferably comprises a squeegee which mayconsist ofa strip of resilient rubbery material 22 having a flexiblewiping edge 23, along one side thereof, a medial shoulder 24 extendinglongitudinally of the strip and facing toward the wiping edge, and amounting edge 25 of rounded configuration along the side of the stripremote from the wiping edge 23. In order to stiffen the squeegee strip22 along its mounting edge 25, the same may be held in a bent sheetmetal channel 26 having a web 27 underlying the bottom side of the 1strip adjacent the edge 25, and an integrally connected web 2S overlyingand enclosing the strip between the edge 25 and the shoulder 24, themarginal edge of the web 28 being formed with an inturned lip 29 forlocking engagement with the shoulder 24.

The squeegee mounting plate 19 has a portion 30 to which the section 16is weldingly secured, an offset ange 31 weldingly or otherwise securedto the medial portions of the squeegee support channel 26, and anintermediate strengthening groove 32 formed transversely of the mountingplate 19' between the mounting portion 30 and the squeegee supportingflange 31.

While the frame forming bars 15 may extend uninterruptedly between thesponge and squeegee mounting plates 19 and 19', the same, in theillustrated embodiment, are intersected, medially of the mountingplates, to form the separate frame sections 16 and 16', the latch means17 serving to detachably interconnect the frame sections with the rodportions 15 thereof in abutting end to end relationship.

The latching means 17, as shown more particularly in Figs. 4-7 of thedrawings, preferably comprises a pair of 4cooperating sheet metal strips33 and 34 respectively extending between and having the opposite endportions thereof wrapped around and solderingly or weldingly secured tothe plate remote ends of the bars 15 of the frame sections 16 and 16',the strip 23 being thus secured on one frame section, while the strip 34is secured upon the other.v One of the strips may be formed with adepressible latching member adapted to latchingly engage a detent formedin the other strip when the frame sections 16 and 16 are brought intoalined latching abutment.

To `aid in so bringing the frame sections into latching alinement, oneof the latch forming strips may be mounted on its carrying frame sectionbehind or inwardly of the terminal ends 35 of the frame forming rods 15thereof, whereby said rod ends may extend outwardly of or beyond thelatch forming strip. The other of said latch forming strips may bemounted on its carrying frame section in position extending outwardly ofor beyond the ends of the frame forming bars 15 thereof, in order thatthe opposite curled edges of the strip may form tubular pocketsoutwardly of and in alinement with the frame forming bars 15 of saidsection, said pockets being disposed in position to slidingly receivethe projecting ends 35 of the frame forming bars of the other framesection.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 4-7, the strip 33 is mounted on therods 15 of the frame section 16 in position inwardly of the terminalends 35 of said rods, whereby to form said terminal ends as guide prongsextending outwardly of or beyond the strip 33, the opposite end edges33' of the strip 33 being curlingly wrapped about and solderingly orweldingly secured to the frame forming rods 15 of the frame section 16.The strip 34, however, has its opposite edge portions 34 curved togenerally cylindrical pocket forming configuration, the ends of theframe forming rods 15 of the frame section 16 being received andsolderingly or weldingly secured in the end portions only of the pocketsformed by said cylindrcally curled edge portions 34. The remainingportions of said pockets are adapted to guidingly receive the prongs 35formed by the projecting ends of the rods 15 of the other frame section,when the said frame sections are brought together in end to end abuttingrelationship. The curled edge portions 34 of the strip 34 thus serve tointerconnect and support the frame sections in end abuttingrelationship.

In order to latchingly secure the frame sections together in endabutting relationship, the latching means 17, as shown more particularlyin Fig. 4, may comprise a latching detent 36 formed on one of the framesections in position to latchingly engage with a latch shiftablysupported -on the other frame section, said detent 36 preferablycomprising an offset edge formed at one side of an opening 38 formed inthe strip 34 preferably medially of the curved end edge portionsthereof.

`The latch 37, as shown in Fig. 4, may comprise an outwardly struckportion formed in a tongue 39, which may comprise an integral extensionof the strip 33 which projects therefrom medially between the projectingends 35 of the frame forming rods. The tongue 39 resiliently supportsthe latch 37 in position to engage the detent 36 when the frame sectionsare brought together in end abutting latching relationship, the latchcarrying end of the tongue 39 extending in the opening 38 when the partsare in relatively latched position. By pressing upon said latch carryingend of the tongue, in said opening, thc latch 37 may be released fromits engagement with the detent 36, thereby permitting the frame sectionsto be separated.

As shown more particularly in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the latch detent maycomprise alined and mutually facing notches 36 formed in the projectingends 35 of the frame forming rods of the frame section 16. The latch maycomprise projecting portions 37 of a tongue 39' formed on the strip 34preferably medially thereof, as by striking the tongue 39 from themedial portions of the strip 34 while leaving the same resilientlyconnected with the strip, as at the end of the tongue 40 remote fromthelatching projections 37'. The latching projections 37', accordingly, maybe supported in position to latchingly engage in the detent formingnotches 36' when the frame sections 16 and 16' are `brought together inend abutting relationship; and the projectingends 35 of the frameforming rods may be formed with cam surfaces 41, in position toguidingly engage the latching projections 37' in order to steer thesameV into the detent forming notches 36' as the frame sections arebrought into .abuttingrelationship By pressing upon the A'tongue39adjacentand between the latching projections 37', the same may bereleased fromthe notches 36 `in order to permit the frame sections16 and16' `to be separated.

It` will be seen from the foregoing that the latching structures17 arecontained within the zone vdefined by the spaced frame forming rods 15and donot project outwardly of said zone, but are housed entirely withinsuch zone. The frame latching means of the present invention,acrordingly, will not in any way interfere with the insertion of theframe and the movement thereof between `the window sashes of adouble-hung window structure. The latches, however, are designedtoautomatically accomplish the latchingfunction in response toarrangement of the frame sections 16 and 16 in end abuttingrelationship, thereby facilitating the assembly of `the frame sectionsinlatched condition. The latches may also `be `released `quickly andeasily in response to but vslight pressure applied upon the same.

In order to eliminate shoulders where the strips 33 and 34are attachedon the rods 15, the rods may be formed Awith ends of reduced size toprovide seats 45 for receiving Aand thereby allow the rods 15 andlatches to slide freely `over and between window sashes.

As shown more particularly in Fig. 8, the rods 15 may Vbe .formed withstrip receiving seats 45' only on the opposite sides of the rods toprovide for the .flush mounting of the strips on the rods at theopposite sides thereof only, since it is necessary to .eliminate sashengaging shoulders on .the frame `12 only at the portions thereof whichare likely to engage window sashes when inserted therebetween. Asa`manufacturing expedient, it is, of courseyeasier and less-expensive toprovide seats 45 on 'the' opposite sides `only 'of the ends of the rods15, as shown in Fig. 8, than it is to provide complete circumferential-seats 45 of the sort shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

While -the drawings show Aa window cleaning device 'comprising a pair ofsections adapted to be detachably securedtogether forwuse .or to be usedindependently as fdictated by convenience, itis .within thecontemplation ofthe ipresent invention `.1o. `provide one or moreadditional frame sections formed for detachable latching engagement withand between the frame sections 16 and 16' in order that the length ofthe frame may be correspondingly increased to permit the device to beemployed in cleaning outsize window sashes.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantageswill be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it isobvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction andarrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages,the forms herein disclosed being preferred embodiments for the purposeof illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows.

l. A cleaning device comprising cooperating elongated frame sections ofrelatively wide and thin sectional character adapted for unhamperedmovement between the sash components of double-hung windows, and latchmeans for releasably securing said sections in end-to-end abuttingrelationship to form an elongated frame, said latch means extendingwithin the width and depth of said sections in position guarded againstsnagging upon window sash components when the device is in usetherebetween, so that a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectivelymounted at the latch remote ends of said cooperating frame sections maybe supported respectively at the opposite ends of said elongated framein position selectively to be applied in window washing position betweendouble-hung window sash components, when said sections are latchinglyinterconnected.

T6 2. Acleaning device comprising spacedv apart rods of resilientmaterial forminglcooperating frame sections of relatively thin:sectional `character adapted for unhampered movement between the sashcomponents of double- .hung windows, andlatchzrneans for releasablysecuring said sections in end-to-end abutting relationship to form anelongated frame, said latch means extending entirely within the zonedefined between the spaced rods of said sections in` position guardedagainst snagging upon window sash components when the device is in usetherebetween, so that` a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively`mounted at the latch remote ends of said cooperating frame sections maybe supported respectively at the `opposite endsrof said elongated framein position selectively to beappliedin window washing position betweendoublehung window `sash components, when said sections are latchinglyinterconnected.

`El. A cleaningdevice comprising spaced apart `rods of resilientmaterial, forming cooperating frame sections'of relatively`thinisectional character adapted for unhampered movement between thesash components of doublehung windows, and latch means for releasablysecuring said sections inend-to-end abutting relationship to form anelongated frame, the spaced rods of one of said frame sections beingformed with inwardly facing notches dening latching detents, the otherof said frame sections carrying `a depressible latch member in positionto extend between said notched rods and to engage said latching detents,said latch` means extending entirely within the zone Idefined betweenthespaced rods of said sections in position` guarded against snaggingupon window sash components `when the device is in use` therebetween, sothat a washing sponge'andwiping squeegee respectively mounted at thelatch remote ends' of said cooperating frame sections may be supportedrespectively at the opposite ends of said elongated frame in positionselectively to be applied in window washingposition between doublehungwindow sash components, when said sections are latchinglyinterconnected.

4. A cleaning .device comprising elongated frame sections each embodyinga 'pair of equally spaced rods, and latch `means for releasably securingsaid sections with the rods thereof iniend `to end abuttingrelationship, a washing. sponge andwiping squeegee respectively mounted`at `the.latchfremoteends of `said frame sections, s'aid `latch meanscomprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extendingbetween and secured to the spaced rods of its corresponding section,whereby to support the same in spaced relationship, one of said framesections being formed with a latching detent and the other carrying ayieldingly depressible latch in position to engage said detent when thesections are in end to end abutting relationship.

5. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections each embodyinga pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securingsaid sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship,a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latchremote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pairof cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured tothe spaced rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support thesame in spaced relationship, one of said frame sections being formedwith a latching detent and the sheet metal strip of the other having aportion forming a yieldingly depressible latch in position to engagesaid detent when the sections are in end to end abutting relationship.

6. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections each embodyinga pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securingsaid sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship,a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latchremote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pairof cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured tothe spaced to end abutting relationship.

7. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sec- -tions eachembodying a pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasablysecuring said sections with the rods thereof in end to end abuttingrelationship, a Washing'sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mountedat the latch remote ends of said frame sections, said latch meanscomprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal strips each extendingbetween and secured to the spaced -rods of its corresponding section,whereby to support the -same in spaced relationship, the strip of one ofsaid frame sections having an edge defining a latch detent and the stripof the other section having a tongue forming a de- 'pressible latchmember in position to engage said detent ing sponge and wiping squeegeerespectively mounted at the latch remote ends of said frame sections,said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metal stripseach extending between and secured to the spaced rods of itscorresponding section, whereby to support the same in spacedrelationship, the opposite end edges of -said strips being curled aboutand secured to the rods of the section on which mounted, one of saidframe sections being formed with a latching detent and the othercarrying a yieldingly depressible latch in position to engage saiddetent when the sections are in end to end abutting relationship. 4

9. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections each embodyinga pair of equally spaced rods, and latch means for releasably securingsaid sections with the rods thereof in end to end abutting relationship,a washing sponge and wiping squeegee respectively mounted at the latchremote ends of said frame sections, said latch means comprising a pairof cooperating sheet metal strips each extending between and secured tothe spaced rods of its corresponding section, whereby to support the 8same in spaced relationship, the opposite end edges of one of saidstrips being curled about and secured to the rods of the section onwhich mounted to forrn cylindrical Apockets outwardly of said rods toslidingly receive the projecting ends of the rods of the other of said`sections, one of said frame sections being formed with a latching'detent and the other carrying a yieldingly depressible latch inposition to engage said detent when thesections are in end to endabutting relationship.

10. A cleaning device comprising elongated frame sections of thinsectional character each embodying a pair of equally spaced rods, andlatch means for releasably securing said sections with the rods thereofin end to end abutting relationship, a washing sponge and wipingsqueegee respectively mounted at the Vlatch remote ends of said framesections, said latch means comprising a pair of cooperating sheet metalstripseach extending between and secured to the spaced rods of itscorresponding section, whereby to support the same in spacedrelationship, one of said strips being secured to the rods of a said'frame section inwardly of the ends of said rods, to thereby provideprojecting rod end portions, the opposite end edges of the `other ofsaid strips being curled about and secured to the rods of the section onwhich mounted in position forming cylindrical pockets extendingoutwardly of said rods and sized to snugly yet slidingly receive saidprojecting rod end portions, one of said frame sections being formedwith a latching detent and the other carryling a yieldingly depressiblelatch in position to engage 'said detent when the sections are in end toend abutting relationship.

References Cited in the tile of this patent Y Y UNITED STATES PATENTS D.46,810 Neuberger Dec. 29, 1914 581,581 Guthrie Apr. 27, 1897 613,683Kemp Nov. 8, 1898 I 1,681,082 Bamberger ,Aug. 14, 1928 1,901,139 BartonMar. 4, 1933 2,218,521 Brntnall Oct. 22, 1940 Y2,474,722 Blume June 28,1949 2,649,600 Loveland Aug. 25,1953

- 2,697,642 Rudy Dec. 21, 1954 2,745,126 Mora May 1s, '1956

